Thanks to the continuous efforts of such organizations as the Red Cross, as a society we are pretty up to date on the impact one person taking ten minutes out of their day to give blood can have. Though we may not all be able to do it, chances are we are at least asked to give the gift of blood at least once a month. What you may not know is that the same need for blood donations is just as strong when it comes to helping our pets, as it is with us humans.

Thanks to amazing medical break throughs over the past few years, more and more animals are being saved everyday. As the success rates of what were once considered impractical surgeries increases, so does the need for animal blood donors. In order for a dog to be considered a viable donor it must be in good health, over 50 pounds, and between the ages of 2 and 8. Like humans, before an animal gives blood it is recommended that they go without food the night before the procedure and once the blood is collected it is refrigerated until needed.